Grace Curtis

Grace Curtis is enjoying the role of being an In2Science mentor while she completes a Bachelor of Science at RMIT.

Grace Curtis is an In2Science mentor and is completing a Bachelor of Science, majoring in applied chemistry.

Program:

Bachelor of Science

As an In2science mentor, I get to share my passion for science with young adults, who perhaps like me, may not have had that person to show them what a career in science can offer.

I love science. It is infinitely complex and tells us everything from the composition of all matter, to the expansion of the known universe.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to know how things worked, why they happen, what effect they have on the world, or how they interact with the world and science provides an opportunity to discover these answers.

In high school, I didn’t have access to anyone who could tell me firsthand about the benefits of studying science at university. When it came time to choose what to do at a higher education level, I knew I enjoyed science, but I was unsure about the range of career options and assumed that science mostly about research and that I’d remain at university forever!

As an In2science mentor, I get to share my passion for science with young adults who perhaps like me, may not have had that person to show them what a career in science can offer.

My In2science placement was at Bayside College in Williamstown in a Year 8 science class. There were a number of low academic performers and the teacher thought my passion for science might ignite some interest.

A large part of my placement was assisting students in the classroom with their work. The ability to help and watch as they increased their understanding of a particular principle or problem was very rewarding. I was also able to build rapport on a deeper level as I shared my experiences and my journey.

Even though I’m still a student myself, it was as if some of the students viewed me as an adult or a teacher figure and so it took a while to break down that barrier.

Through my studies I’ve developed a mindset that allows me to think critically and methodically in all areas of life – not just in the classroom – a skill many scientists would say is their greatest asset.

As I continue to learn and to develop, I am considering opportunities in medical research, specifically cancer research. There is so much more to discover about this disease, its diagnosis and treatment.

Science is always developing; new theories and discoveries are always made and the possibilities are as infinite as our universe.

Being a science mentor with In2Science is rewarding and motivating. The program has enabled me to connect and inspire future scientists and test my own limits.